New musical explores the realities of post-University world

When the cast of Delinquent Theatre’s original new musical Stationary: a recession-era musical takes to the stage as part of this summer’s Neanderthal Arts Festival, audiences shouldn’t be expecting the usual feel-good musical fare.

“It is certainly not the most uplifting piece of musical theatre,” admits Evan Lamberton (pictured right) who will be accompanying the actors on stage on the cello as part of the show’s two-man band.

An extended version of the group’s original musical Parked from last year’s Bridge Mix, Stationary: a recession-era musical explores the lives of six young people at a moment when their big dreams become reality checks. Bachelor degrees in hand, the sextet step into the post-University world only to discover that the world isn’t perhaps quite what they promised (or thought) it might be.

“These young people are just finishing schools and finding themselves stuck in these dead-end jobs. The show explores their dreams and aspirations as to what they would really like to be doing while facing the reality of their lives,” explained Lamberton.

But while he admits the show may be “a little bit depressing”, Lamberton is also quick to also point out that there is comedy to go along with the twenty-something angst.

“It is all taken with a grain of salt and a lot of humour,” Lamberton said. “It is a satirical look at today’s economy and what is happening in people’s lives. I don’t think people will walk away thinking ‘wow that was really heavy’, but it will have them thinking about what youth today face.”

Still studying for his own University degree, he will graduate in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Toronto, Lamberton says that the realities of post-University life haven’t hit him yet but he does see it in his peers.

“I hope to get a job after school in an orchestra, but I’m not sure it will happen. I sure hope it will,” he said. “I’ve definitely seen lots of my peers graduate and get stuck in service jobs when they have arts degrees. It is definitely eye opening.”

Serious message aside, like any good musical, Stationary is all about the songs and this show is sure to appeal with a wide range of musical styles from waltz to rap to rag-time plus musical inspiration from an equally diverse group of artists like Arcade Fire, Bach, Scott Joplin and Dr Dre.

Supported by Lamberton on the cello and Arlen Tom on guitar, the cast of six also doubles as their own orchestra playing a variety of instruments that includes the autoharp and glockenspiel as well as trombone, piano, percussion and even a ukulele.

While Lamberton hopes that an older audience will walk away with a better understanding of what today’s generation is facing when they graduate, one thing is for certain: with the talented group of recent and near grads that make up Delinquent Theatre, there is little doubt it will be authentic.

Stationary: a recession-era musical is a musical for the generation that has stepped out – bachelor degree in hand – to discover that the world isn’t quite what they were promised it would be. It’s for the generation that was coached to dream big, only to find there isn’t enough room for everyone to be a winner. Real life is disappointing. Singing about it definitely takes the edge off. Visit http://www.delinquenttheatre.com for more information.